KOAT News: World War II veteran finally receives medals

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It was a surprise to 90-year-old Marlin “Temp” Templeton. He had no idea Friday’s celebration was all for him.

Temp is a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the army in 1943, but never received any of the awards he earned.

But that changed Friday.

“To give the recognition that he should have gotten a very long time ago, it's just a great thing,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich.

Heinrich stopped by Ravenna Assisted Living in Northwest Albuquerque to personally give Temp a victory medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal along with an honorable service lapel pin and a U.S. flag that was flown at the capitol.

“All I can say is to the people of the United States is thank you,” Temp said.

When Action 7 News spoke to Temp, he talked about one memory in 1944 on the Boston Harbor he remembers very well.

“The most beautiful thing I ever saw in my life was Old Glory stretched between two buildings. It was the largest flag I ever saw in my life,” Temp said.

Just years ago, Temp took part in the Freedom Honor Flight and when they landed there were delegations there welcoming the veterans, but there is something that happened that day that brought him and everyone with him to tears.

“A little boy came up to me. I was in the wheelchair at the time and he hugging me and a puppy. He said thank you mister for fighting for me and my puppy,” Temp said.

He said it’s moments like the boy and Old Glory that make him proud to be a veteran and makes it all worth fighting for.